If you have been reading RoadCycler for awhile, you will know by now my appreciation for cycling gear that is easy on the pocketbook. I think it’s important to show those who are new to cycing that it’s possible to get into the sport without taking out a second mortgage to finance it. When it comes to cyclocomputers, you can spend anywhere from $10 to $500. The first thing that comes to mind is, “How many features can possibly come with a $10 cyclocomputer?” Get ready to be surprised.

The Cateye Mity 8 Cyclocomputer is a fantastic little device. It offers every basic option you need as a beginner, or even intermediate road biker, for a small price. A whopping $18 will get you all of these features:

Functions

• Current speed
• Maximum speed
• Average speed
• Total Distance (Odometer)
• Trip distance
• 2nd trip distance
• Elapsed time
• 12/24hr clock

Features

• Programmable display
• Auto start/stop
• Auto power-saving mode
• Pace arrow
• Odometer manual set option
• Universal speed magnet and sensor
• Dual tire size

The Mity 8 was extremely easy to set up, and I was up in running in right around 30-45 minutes. The numbers were very easy to read, and even more important, it was extremely easy to navigate while on the road. A feature I found really cool was the second trip monitor. This is a great feature for those two day trips where you want to keep track of each day, and the whole trip. A feature that might seem like a no-brainer, the 12-24 hour clock, is actually missing on many more expensive cyclocomputers (like the Shimano Flight Deck). A couple more noteworthy features are a pace arrow, as well as auto start/stop functionality.

If you just emptied your wallet getting a new bike and didn’t leave much left over for a much needed cyclocomputer, look no farther than the Cateye Mity 8. It is a very basic, yet very functional computer that is easy to use on the road. Oh yeah, did I mention the price? $18.

Get more info here. [cateye.com]